Undefeated former European heavyweight champion Robert Helenius is backing David Haye to overcome former opponent Dereck Chisora next month as the Finn looks to return from a career-threatening shoulder injury.

The 28 year-old, who possesses a perfect 17-fight record with 11 stoppages, scored a controversial twelve round victory over ‘Del Boy’ in December and subsequently revealed that a shoulder injury suffered prior to the bout hampered his performance.

‘The Nordic Nightmare’ is still recovering from surgery to correct the problem and hopes to comeback with a warm-up fight before heading back into the race to oppose a Klitschko brother for the world title.

“I don’t know when I will be fit enough to fight but hopefully as soon as possible,” Helenius told World Boxing News.

“I have to look out for my shoulder so my team and I will pick a tune-up fight to begin with instead of a title-fight.

“I just have to get back inside the ring to feel how my body reacts so it might not be the biggest fight, but the best for my career.

“At the moment, I am not thinking about any possible opponents. All I am concerned with is my health.”

Helenius lost his European title as a result of his prolonged absence from the ring and has plenty of potential opponents in the offing when he finally steps back between the ropes. Old foe Chisora meets rival Haye next month in one of the biggest heavyweight fights of the year and the Scandinavian sees another loss on the cards for his former opponent.

“I think that Haye is going to win but he will have to work hard to beat Chisora – harder than he might expect.”

Asked about upcoming prospect David Price, Helenius also stated: “I beat Price twice as an amateur, once at the world championships by a margin of four points. He is a good boxer and will find his way to the top.

“I should give myself some time to think about who I may face and maybe in two or three fights we can talk about me facing the Klitschkos. Although, it might take at least a year,” he added.